Even before Charlie properly parked his car outside the villa front gates, the Ackers all emerged with Keith and Holly leading the way while their children and Merlin followed.

Jeremiah was surprised as he was nervous to see everyone in the Acker family come out to receive him, and he undid his seatbelt before he knew it, ready to get off to greet them in turn.

As Charlie stopped the car with the seatbelt indicator beeping out loud, Jeremiah quickly opened the door and got out impatiently.

Keith quickened his pace too, reaching the car just as Jeremiah alighted, holding out his hands as he exclaimed emotionally, "Jeremiah, my friend! It's been a while!"

Jeremiah nodded as he grasped Keith's hands in turn, "Indeed, it has!"

There was just a single exchange between them, but they must have shaken their hands a thousand times over.

Holly walked up just then, immediately polite as she said, "Long time no see, Jeremiah!"

Jeremiah smiled and nodded at her. "You've been well over the y